Systems Approach to Appropriate Technology Transfer

Book excerpt: Systems Approach to Appropriate Technology Transfer is a collection of selected papers presented at the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC) Symposium, held in Vienna, Austria. The objective of the symposium is to analyze the transfer process of technologies by using the systems approach and gather insights that can be used for the enhancement of future transfer programs. The book is a rich presentation of articles and research papers from scientists and engineers from all over the world, and is composed of introductory, technical discussion, and round table discussion papers. The introductory papers give insights to the concepts of technology transfer, systems approach, and use of appropriate technologies. The technical discussions touch on technology transfer in selected fields, energy technologies, flexible manufacturing systems, information and communication, social and educational aspects, and case studies. The four round table discussions focus on the application of technologies to support small-scale enterprises and users' participation; appropriate technology transfer on microelectronics; policies and strategies for appropriate technology transfer; and the impact of informatics on technology transfer. The text will appeal to computer scientists, engineers, policymakers, and students of information technology.